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Distal phalanx near-amputation

Case contributed by Derek Smith
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Mechanic, fixing car. Dropped heavy car part onto left hand. Patient stated that "the tip flipped up".

Patient Data

Age: 40
Gender: Male
x-ray

Complete transverse fracture of the left fifth distal phalanx with distal displacement. Soft tissue injury also visible. No other bony injury.

Case Discussion

The distal end of the digit did not have a neurovascular supply, indeed there was very little attaching the tip to the rest of the finger.

The digit was terminalised operatively.

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